When the calendar flips to a new year, we often start thinking forward to changes we can make for the next year. Sometimes it is personal goals, but sometimes it is a new and improved living space! If you are feeling like this is the year to make some changes to your home, here are the biggest do’s and don’ts to follow for a renovation.
DO:
Know your end goal- Whether you are making improvements to a home you plan on staying in for many years to come, or changes to prepare your home to be sold, it is important to know your end goal and have a clear path to that goal.
Have a realistic budget- Predicting a budget for a large project can be very difficult! Make sure to set a budget that is realistic. Once you have added up all of the costs, it is a good idea to add about 20% more cost into your final budget so that there is some wiggle room.
Set a timeline- Do you need that project finished by a certain date? Work backwards on the calendar to figure out when the project needs to get started! Make sure to set a timeline that works for you and put in a few weeks of extra time for those delays that come up unexpectedly.
Know your limits- A lot of people are comfortable with doing a lot of projects on their own and taking the cheaper “DIY” route! However, know your limits and hire a professional for those more complicated tasks like electricity.
Choose a contractor- Take the time to do research on contractors in your area and choose one that aligns with your personality and goals for your renovation. Make sure to ask for references!
Plan for outages- There will be those days when the renovation requires the electricity or plumbing to be turned off. Luckily, if you plan for those outages, there are easy ways to continue your daily routine without too much interruption.
Make a master checklist- Create a list of everything that will be needed for your project. We suggest having a section for materials/tools that you already have and things that you still need to buy or rent along with the cost. Also, correspond your checklist with the timeline.
Obtain proper permits- Don’t skip this step during preparation! Getting the proper permits for your renovation is very important so there aren’t delays or problems later on.
Have a reno-free zone- Generally, you still live in your home as the renovations are happening around you. We suggest that you take it one room at a time so that you have “reno-free” zones. This should include all the necessities so that you and your family can live comfortably even through construction.
DON’T:
Buy cheap materials- If you are going to do it, do it right! Material is so important for the final outcome of your project, and if you skimp on it, then it may not turn out the way you expect it to.
Start renovation too soon- Make sure to plan out your whole renovation, have all of the materials and have hired everyone you will need before you start. Don’t ever start knocking down walls before everything else is ready!
Take inaccurate measurements- An inch or even a half-inch can make a huge difference, especially in small-space renovations like bathrooms. Be precise.
Be too trendy- Going with the “hot-look” right now will most likely get old pretty fast. Creating interior designs that reflect your personality and have classic finishes will give you a space that will make you happy for a long time.
Take on too many rooms at once- That overwhelming feeling can happen so easily when you have too much going on at once! If you plan on renovating multiple rooms, break down the project to just one room at a time.
Not setting a budget- One of the biggest problems people run into during their renovation is ending up with a price tag they were not expecting. Not having a budget will lead to disorganization and spending money on things you don’t need or expect. During the planning stages, gather costs so you can set a budget that you can stick to.